7:01 [clears throat] >> Good evening. Welcome to the Bedminster Township Committee. This is our regularly scheduled Township Committee for August 3, 2026. Recognize that as of
7:01, we have full attendance by the Township Committee, which is a reduced Township Committee here in person. Committee man Rosen for the first time uh since uh going on the DL. Committee woman Hernandez, Committee man
Hecky, and myself as everyone knows. Um Renee Mareski has uh resigned in Township Committee, and I believe he's currently driving or arriving in Texas. Ms. Ray, may we please have the Open
Public Meetings Act statement? >> Yes, Mayor. Adequate notice of this meeting of the Township Committee was sent to the Courier News, Somerville, Bernardsville News, Whippany, and to all subscribers, and posted on the Township of Bedminster's official website at www.bedminsternj.gov,
and at the Township Municipal Building on January 6, 2026. >> Great, thank you. Please join me in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, so first things first, filling the empty seat right between me and Gina. So, we've gone through this um
in the past. Um Bill, you uh you you filled in and replaced Committee man Stevenson. Um so, this is something that is not um foreign to us. So, the process is when there's a resignation
from the Township Committee, um, the political party from which the resigning committee member is, is tasked with providing three names for consideration to the Township Committee.
Township Committee then selects one of those names and, um, that person would then fill out the remaining the remainder of the term up to the next election and and it gets a
little more complicated based upon uh, date when the resignation occurs, when it's effective to the next uh, general election. The next general election obviously is November. So, this times out that, um, what we're doing tonight is essentially
to replace Renee's position for the remainder of calendar year 2026. Renee, um, is on my schedule for re-election and so her term, naturally, would be at the end
of 2027. So, there will be an election in November for the remainder of Renee's term, essentially the calendar year of 2027 and presumably,
um, you know, whoever we select tonight will be uh, nominated by the Republican Municipal Committee for the, uh, November election. And the the RMC has till
August 27th to get that name into, uh, to ballot. So, the RMC was tasked with providing us with three names. They provided us with
two names. So, under the statute, if the RMC fails to provide us with three names, this Township Committee is not beholden to select from
the names given, and we could go off on our own. And my understanding is that we could select anyone from the same political party as the open seat. So, does anyone have a third person or any other considerations that they want
other than Rich Coppola, Costa, and Carson Brianza, who have been um suggested to us by the RMC? Okay. So, we're all good with looking at these two. So, um let's let's start start the process,
and I'm going to ask Carson Brianza to come up to the microphone. And um give us some information about yourself and why you'd like to join the committee. >> Good evening, Council. Thank you for having me. >> Um it'll be the second time in a week that I've done this speech, so we're
going to do very similar to last Monday. Uh as many of you know, I'm Carson Brianza. Uh I was not planning a political campaign, but I was asked to step up, and I I have always tried to do for Bedminster. Uh lived in live in town, I live on Larger Crossroad, raising my beautiful
children here with my wife Bryn. Uh I spent years serving the community in the fire department. That's where I've spent most of my time uh around town in the past 10 years. Professionally, I build businesses, I manage teams, and I solve very complex problems with new technology that is
emerging every day. Uh I believe that gives me a great combination of both business expertise and also local service to serve on the committee. Uh my priorities are straightforward. I have three core priorities. One is to manage development and affordable
housing obligations in Bedminster and in a Bedminster first manner. Second, I want to strongly support our first responders and public safety. I think that we have a fantastic outfit of agencies here and we need to keep it that way. And third, I want to keep Bedminster
Bedminster. So, I'll elaborate on those things briefly. On the development and affordable housing, I want to make sure that we're considering the impact on residents, roads, infrastructure, and most importantly schools. You know, these things that are popping up all over, we're seeing them across Somerset Hills being poorly managed and
I think that while Bedminster is proactively doing a great job, it could easily turn the other way and we could become, you know, the next downtown Bernardsville. I also don't want to make I want to make sure that we manage the outside mandates from both the state and developers coming into our town and changing, you
know, these coming in and and changing Bedminster without living here. I don't think growth should simply happen in Bedminster. I think it has to be carefully managed by this committee. First responders and public safety, I know what it takes first hand to answer the call. I know exactly what it would
cost to have a paid fire department and first aid squad in town. And so, supporting our volunteers and also supporting our police department which is one of the strongest in the north of the county. I think we need to continue to do that. It's it's not an area where we can afford to become complacent and I think that we continue to evolve it in the
right in the right manner. And the last thing is I want to keep Bedminster Bedminster. You know, I don't think that Bedminster needs any more over development. I don't think that it uh Well, sorry. We need to properly maintain our dirt roads. We need to continue to invest in the DPW, invest in
our parks, invest in all of the outdoor activities that we're doing and continue to to elaborate on. We've gotten some great grants over the past 10 years and I think we need to continue to pursue those opportunities. Beautiful new garden we've got set up, the pocket park in Pluckemin. You know, there's a a examples of why Bedminster
has done a great job managing these things and we can't afford to let that slip because, you know, it continues the same direction that I talked about with overdevelopment. Um you know, the character that makes this town, many people who live in have moved to town don't understand the full character, but then they spend a little time here and
they really fall in love with what Bedminster is. And so I my love for Bedminster, I you know, want to continue and make sure that it doesn't change too much. We've seen that happen locally. Um and so I'm running not because I believe Bedminster needs to be reinvented, but because I believe it doesn't. And I'll show up. I'll do the
homework. I will ask direct questions as all of you know. I'm not afraid to be direct and uh yeah, that's it. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. So what we'll do is any >> questions or >> No, no, we'll we'll do questions afterwards. Let's uh Rich, come on up.
Microphone is yours and then what we'll do is if there's questions or comments from the TC, then let's have at it. So Rich, microphone is yours. My name is Rich Costa. Uh
and uh I live in the Hills where I have been a resident for 31 years and I am the president of our HOA and vice president of the Hills Village North Master. I also work in the corporate world, so I
understand uh where I am a director of of new product design and development and uh I understand how business works uh both uh efficiently and inefficiently. Uh the HOA in the Hills uh
or actually the form of government in the Hills is the homeowners association. So, I what I would like to do is is like to help the Township Committee keep government efficient and I think I'm qualified. I have the experience to offer. I've I already have plenty of
experience doing this in the HOA just on a different scale or on a different level and I've worked with most of you on the Township Committee, so I know what's involved and I I think that I can translate some of my skills to the Township Committee
with a couple examples of some projects that have happened in our community. First is JCP&L. Um on two separate occasions our underground lateral lines failed leaving entire buildings without power
or electricity. When JCP&L showed up to address the problem, they assessed it and immediately walked off the job saying that they're not responsible for uh uh uh uh fixing or maintaining the underground
laterals. So, I quickly jumped into action and had trailers bring in generators to provide power to those units that were without power. And I reacted quickly. I solved the problem by by by restoring power to our
residents and I did it quickly. I did it in real time. Altice, uh we were one of the first HOAs in the Hills to have fiber brought into our community. While other HOAs were debating if they if they wanted it or if
they even needed it. So, they were they spent more time debating about planting, removing shrubs and trees in their community that as opposed to focusing on improvements to their infrastructure. I saw this this was a good thing for our
community. So, I acted quickly. I worked with our attorney to get an agreement signed and and get Altice put into our community. While other HOAs still to this day are without fiber. Lastly, this this also helped me to
prioritize between the insignificant and the the picture. Lastly, our community roofing and siding project. It was a large-scale project. It was a $5 million project. I worked with many of you. I see you were involved when we were
doing this. Um with this, had we done roofing and siding separately to address leaks that were that were perpetually happening in our community, we would have spent a lot more money on the project. By combining the two, we were
able to save $600,000 in savings by eliminating duplicate work. Additionally, our siding was was previously previously made of Georgia Pacific wood. It was a
a not a not a a not a very good or durable wood. It was more like a particle board. So, it was like a sponge sucking up moisture. What we What we did is we other boards before us had kicked the can down the road, leaving the old
siding on, which was actually deteriorating underneath. So, when we put on new siding, we put on vinyl siding, and we put in composite trim. This allowed us to eliminate the need of painting the wood siding on our buildings.
Painting was done in five phases over a five-year period. By the time we finished phase five, it was time to start all over again and go back to phase one. So, we By doing roofing and siding and putting in the composite materials, we were able to eliminate $121,000
in annual painting fees. So, I would like to continue doing what I'm already doing for my HOAs just on a larger scale. So, I'd be honored if you would consider me for Township Committee. Thank you. >> Thank you, Rich. Thank you, Rich. So,
let's let's bring you both up towards the desk or the chair. Um and um and Any further comments from either of you before we start answering or asking questions? >> I came out to seek the position because
that was what was asked of me, but I think Rich is the right guy for the seat and to serve and assist on the town council in this to to finish out the term. So. >> Okay. >> I'm not worthy. >> So are
you're endorsing >> I'm endorsing Rich. >> You're endorsing Rich. All right. >> Rich, can I just say you plan on remaining the HOA president or will you give that up if you get that council? >> I would like to remain on the HOA as
long as possible. Um and I have some time to figure out if it works or not. So I I'd like to continue it for as long as possible. If necessary, I'll I will step down because this would have this would become my my first priority.
>> And and besides the regular council committee meetings, there are committees that you're going to be playing on the HOA too and have with that their meetings. So it is more than just, you know, two Mondays two Mondays a month. So.
>> And I am I did work with Renee on the environmental committee. I was part of that. So I do know what's involved with with the committees. So. >> And I go back a long way with you. My first volunteering
venture was on the pool committee about 20 years ago. >> Yes, it was. >> And you guys survived that. >> [laughter] >> What what color is the pool now? Just curious. >> I have no idea. I haven't seen the pool. >> [laughter] >> Inside joke. >> Yeah, got it. >> Rich,
I do have a question. Or do you want to go first? Um Carson was very eloquent in terms of explaining, you know, projects or priorities that he would like to do for Bedminster. From your perspective, what would you like to see? What would you like to work on? Or is there something that you feel we need we
could do better, do differently? >> See, I believe you already have a winning team, and I just want to support the winning team. I want to support your efforts because I believe in in what our Township Committee is doing. And if there's something I can do to help
promote your efforts and support your efforts, that that's where I'd like to focus my attention. >> Okay. Well, thank you both for coming out and for being invested members of the community, right? Because um that's kind of how we all got here. Um so, everyone on the Township
Committee brings their own talents and skills um and their uniqueness. And so, but we all align in that we put our residents first. And um so, when you're anything any topic that
comes up, any issue that comes up, we really, you know, analyze the pros and cons of everything, and we we but we always keep our priority being our residents first. So, um that being said, if you join us up here on the dais, um what do
you think um your talent and skill kind of would be What What are you bringing that maybe um would benefit the Township or the residents or the the committee? >> I believe that it's my background uh
working in the corporate world, uh knowing how business operates both efficiently and inefficiently. Um I would like >> Microphone. >> I would I'd like to uh just try and offer my support in finding those inefficiencies, uh working with with uh
uh our engineer, working with uh the Township Committee on on on whether it it's capital reserve projects or improvements to our infrastructure, I would just like to be able to work and collaborate and and and provide, you
know, my insights based on my experiences working both at in the corporate world as well as on the homeowners association, which is just a smaller scale of what you are doing for for for the town. And I'd like to
broaden that and and be able to help more people. That's why I'd like to move up from an HOA president to a township committee person. >> Okay. So, um I just want to maybe this follows up a little bit on um
Gina's um question about the maintenance. Um So, when you effected that savings were um your HOA, how was that communicated? Because that at some point, right? So, you have this
savings of $600,000. That's That's That's big. On the other hand, you're combining two projects. So, your your fund raise where your your capital expense just went up.
How was that communicated and how was that received by the uh residents in Wood Duck Pond? >> Surprisingly, we had a a in a a a a lot of support. I would want to say, you know, we had probably close to 100% support of our residents. We were very
transparent with them. We actually provided presentations at our meetings um showing how the money was going to be used, what the savings would be, and in the end we ended up having a $49 a month uh uh HOA
increase. We did not have an assessment, just an increase to our HOA of $49 a month. And I And it was actually well received by our residents. And again, for us it was all about creating transparency with our residents, sharing the challenges with
them. What what would happen if we if we kicked the can down the road like previous boards have done in in in our HOA. By putting off repairing the roofing and siding in our community, we were
actually looking at at at at damage to our uh structural damage that was occurring underneath the facade of our siding that was just not visible. We had to do destructive testing with our engineering company and shared those results with our residents. We shared
videos of the siding crumbling when we did the destructive testing and we were able to show examples of the wood rotting around the trim and the siding of our units. And previous boards were just putting spit and bubble gum fixes on our buildings, just putting in caulk and paint and just hoping nobody would
would would notice it. So, we shared this information with our residents and we made them aware that if we don't do this now, we are just going to be in for bigger expenses later. >> Great. That's uh Thank you very much for that answer.
Um if there's no further questions or comments, I'll ask the attentive committee one more time. Once again, we're not we're not stuck with these two. Because they only gave us two names. >> Wow, what an endorsement.
>> pick. And there's some possible victims out there. Oh oh happy Chris to this right here. >> [laughter] >> Come on, office. >> So, um no no further questions or comments, um Carson, I just want to say that your
presentation was excellent and your dedication um to Bedminster is is is obvious um and does not need repeating. Um and um your endorsement of Rich is um
noble and I uh and I appreciate what you've done and and you know Mayor Parker, who's the uh head of the RMC, is right over there over John Balardo's head and um you know, I know that he was um very appreciative of you coming out and
participating. And on behalf of the Bedminster Township Committee, we see often say this on behalf of the TC, but you've got a bright future ahead of you and we hope that you maintain that
bright future here in Bedminster. >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Council. >> If no further questions or comments, um I will take a motion to move forward with um with the vote.
So, we'll do that by acclamation. >> So, ready you guys move? You guys ready? >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Okay. Committee woman >> Should we say who? >> I'm not there yet, Attorney Balardo.
>> So, just just want to keep Do you have the run of show? >> Robin, who has the run of show today? >> I think John muscle. >> You do, Mayor. >> Committee woman Fernandez, would you like to uh select >> I would like to nominate Rich Costa for
um former Committee woman Rasky's position on Township Committee. Do you want me to say it? >> Okay, that's one I didn't know. It's not a secret. We're we're voting now. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> So, that's that's one vote for Rich. We're going to go in order of seniority. Um so, now Bill.
>> Uh well, actually you you you would have been first. >> Okay. >> Yes, sir. Bill, you're up. >> Ladies first. Stay there. >> Ladies first. >> How about I'm next? >> How about that? Ladies first. Thank you, thank you. Thank you, Gina. >> I concur with the Rich's appointment
nomination. >> Colin? >> Am I up now? I'm not sure which one is >> You were up. >> [laughter] >> Yes, I concur with Rich as our next Township Committee Person. >> Rich, congratulations. >> Hi. Thank you. >> Okay, so you were now going to get sworn
in and so that seat does not stay cold long. >> So, um >> We're going to do this. >> We're going to do it. >> to do this. >> You need to have both hands just in case. >> Excuse me? >> You have both hands just >> Yeah, you should have it so it's making
me nervous. You know what? I'll send you the hat when you have a chance to go to work. >> Anyone? >> Anybody want to bring up? >> Anyone? >> No. >> Anyone? >> You want me to hold something? >> Sure, do you want >> The Bible on my left. >> I'll hold it up. >> You're going to read that. You need your glasses.
>> You're all set, it's big. >> You need your glasses. I'll do it. >> We're ready to do it. >> I swear to me. >> I >> I >> Richard Kosta do do solemnly swear to faithfully perform >> Do solemnly swear that I will support
the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the state of New Jersey >> and the state of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same
>> and to the governments established in the United States >> That's your truth. >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully
>> and that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties >> perform all the duties >> of the office of Township Committee Person >> of the duties of the office of Township Committee Person >> according to the best of my ability
>> according to the best of my ability >> and that I will not use my office >> and that I will not use my office >> to grant preferential treatment >> to grant preferential treatment >> nor to seek personal gain >> nor to seek personal gain >> favor >> favor >> or advantage
>> or advantage >> not available to the general public >> not available to the general public >> so help me God >> so help me God >> You can take your spot right there. Thank you. >> Welcome. You did such a good job with the camera blast.
>> Yeah, that was amazing. >> That's right. >> Yeah, right. Exactly. >> There? There? Yeah. >> Yeah, we stand. >> I'll say Bill. >> Didn't you forget about poor Bill already?
It's made a story of laugh. >> Grab your aunt to see. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, I don't have my >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> Oh, just stand there. That's right. >> Can we touch Who's standing here? >> Yes, okay. >> Okay, there we go.
All right. All right, that's good. Big smile, bells. >> You guys look alike. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> At the end, we'll slide you over to the photo. >> Okay. Great time. >> Be very welcome. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you.
>> He didn't think I'd do it, I guess. >> I didn't do a photo op, so. >> Okay. I >> He got me down the steps. >> He might keep rolling us. >> Well, he said we'll keep on thinking about the sign of that episode. It was an episode. I'm good. Was it suited? >> It's family like program.
>> I was wondering about arson and litigation. Wait, how much time? >> Oh. Uh if >> Remember we're on public comment. >> So now is the time in the meeting that we open up the microphone, the dais
up here, the Zoom session for public comment. Any member of the public wishing to make a comment, ask a question to the Township Committee, now is your opportunity to do so as be as we have been saying in the past, uh you are not guaranteed of an answer, you're not
guaranteed of a dialogue with the Township Committee unless one of the Township Committee decides to engage. And if you get an answer, you're certainly not guaranteed of getting an answer you're going to like, won't like. So, please give your name and your street.
>> Oh. >> Start with Mr. Grundyk. >> Jason Grundyk, Chief of the Fire Department. Uh I do no longer live in Bedminster, so no street. I live in Gladstone, sorry very much. No tax paid. Um just here to say thank you. The Fire Department hit 125 years of service this
year to both Bedminster and Far Hills in general. And so as a thank you, we wanted to show here to give to the council. I apologize I do not have a gift. I did not know that a new council person was being uh adopted and brought in this evening. Uh so, there's no question, there's no ask. I'm just
presenting if that's something that's allowed. >> That is allowed. >> Presents? Of course they're >> [laughter] >> So, it's just a little gift from the fire department. Uh in general Um it is Burnt Mills cider and a t-shirt.
>> Wow. >> Thank you so much. >> I'll just go by the front of the audience. Be careful of the audience. >> Thank you, Chief. >> for you. This is for you, Robin. >> I like the label on the t-shirt. >> Did you ask me or your wife to find something?
>> Thank you, Jason. >> Thank you, Jason. >> And that's the last. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> That's all I got. Have a wonderful evening. >> Thank you, Chief Burndyke. >> You no longer need your microphone. [clears throat] >> Thank you. >> Good.
>> We need you all the time. >> Yes, but not right now. >> You're on 24/7. >> Beat me and run. >> After you, Chief Jacobs. >> Good evening. >> You have um Steve Parker online? >> Mayor Parker, your um your hand is raised for public comment.
>> Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor and uh congratulations on uh the wisdom of the Township Committee's uh uh choice. Uh Committeeman Casta, you look good in that position. But, I also felt I needed to kind of explain since the mayor so often said that we failed to give you
three candidates, the Bedminster RMC gave you two outstanding candidates tonight. You chose from two extremely qualified leaders in our community. And you made a great choice. And I just want to say that uh uh we'll probably be looking for
uh Mr. Brienza in the near future. And I know uh Mr. Casta is going to serve the Township extremely well. I'm really proud. It's a good night for Bedminster. So, from uh the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport and outside of the Burger King, congratulations.
>> Thank you. Thank you, Mayor Parker. And And Steve, I just want to note that um one of the things that really cemented it uh for me with uh Rich was when he said, you know, one of the what you could do on communications with the HOA residents
is to blame the prior administration. So, that's That was a great idea. I'm going to take that under advisement. >> [laughter] >> So, Mayor Parker, if you hear your name being mentioned lately >> I noticed I noticed on the Zoom that you don't have a thumbs down uh option on
the reactions here. So, I don't understand Oh, oh, here we go. Yeah, we do. There we go. All right. I'll leave >> Robin, please put Mayor Parker on mute and we'll proceed with the rest of the meeting. Uh we are still in um public comments, so if anyone else has a
question, comment, now's your opportunity to do so. Moving on. We have once had meeting minutes to approve. That's the July 6th, 2026 Township Committee comments. Uh Uh we did not have executive session that night, so any comments or questions
regarding those minutes? Take a motion to approve the minutes. Um Rich, you cannot participate if you were not on Township Committee at that time. >> Okay, so moved. >> Second. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Aye.
>> Oh, sorry, Robin. >> We have four permits and raffles. I'm going to cover the first I'm going to move them around a bit. Um so, we're going to cover A, B, and D. Uh social fair permit to benefit the
Center for Contemporary Art on October 23rd, 2026 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Center for Contemporary Art, 2020 Bert Mills Road. A social fair permit to benefit Mainstream on August 29, 2026 from 6:00
to 9:00 p.m. at Redtail Farm on Rattlesnake Bridge Road. And D, we're going to skip C for now. An on-premise 50/50 raffle to benefit Society of the Sisters of Christian Charity of New Jersey
on September 29, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club. Any comments regarding those two permits and one raffle? Seeing none, take motion to approve. >> So moved. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> Aye. >> The next one, um we're putting this up for a slightly um more individual consideration, some discussion from Robin. Um is the golf and equestrian permit for
Live Golf New York on August 6th to 9th 2026 from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Trump National Golf Club, Lamington Road. Ms. Ray, do you want to walk us through
uh this this uh application? It's been pending for a while. Uh where do we stand on getting all the comments from uh staff and professionals? >> Yes, Mayor. There's been um weekly meeting or I should say bi-weekly meetings um with our professionals and
the Live Golf staff um for uh just short of about 7 months and um I'm happy to report that uh every department has been satisfied with the permits and has signed off. Um and I can just tell you just briefly that would be um the fire
official, the police chief, uh township administration, zoning officer, board of health, and um J- um sorry, but Paul Ryer couldn't be here tonight, but he did say the permit is good, but he's subject to um just a a DEP exception that they're looking for for the merchandise tent, but everything's good
and he's happy to um sign off on it when he returns. So, all is in order, Mayor. >> Okay. And uh from a finance, um all of the application fees have been paid. >> Correct. Everything's been satisfied. >> Okay. So, there's nothing from the administration. There's no outstanding
issues regarding that application. Okay. Um Chief Bernardo, any comments from you regarding the LIV Golf application? >> Uh Mayor, I I reviewed the security plan. Uh we we we don't have any issues
on our end. >> Okay, thank you. Any questions or comments from the Township Committee on the LIV Golf application? >> Just a quick question. Amplified sound, is that That's not a concert, is it? >> No concert. Fine. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Okay, if there's no further questions or
comments, take a motion to approve the golf and equestrian permit for LIV Golf. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Um >> You You You can second. You cannot second. [laughter] >> Uh I was going to second, but uh
yes. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> On a point of order. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. We'll go to uh monthly report discussion by subcommittee chair Committee Woman Hernandez. >> Here.
Okay, it says ladies first, Mayor. >> [laughter] >> Okay. Um so, summer is very quiet, of course. However, not for DPW. They're busiest at, you know, time of year. So, um they've been working on the police cars, the DPW equipment, lining the
soccer fields, grading the dirt roads, cutting the grass, the side mowing the sides of the roads, and they were working on the streetlights in Autumn Ridge, and that was completed on July 31st, and then they're going to start the street lights on Robertson Drive this week.
And again, storm clean up um from the storm again, so they've been busy busy. And that's all the updates I have for you. >> Thank you, Committee Member Rosen. >> Uh thank you, Mayor. It's nice uh to be here in person. On the uh wreck front,
uh camp is closing over this week. Half-day camps next week. Uh gearing up for fall fest. And on the fire department side, they have been busy with all the various storms, and to date,
uh 360 uh calls. And that's it. >> Okay. Committee Committee Member Kiki. >> Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, all. Board of Health, they will finally have a meeting this month where at least one application will be heard. Board of Ed, there is no meeting this
month. We will see them in September when the kids are back in school. And Mayor, that is all I have. >> Okay. So, Let's start with the farmers market. So, Colin, I believe last week we had what? 1756? >> 1726. >> 1726. >> Yeah.
>> 1726. That's 17 126 attendees, not volunteers, not the vendors. 1726 attendees through the market. That's a
big number. The Saturday before that, 2151. That's a record. So, end of July, we had 2151 attendees go through the market. That's a record. Our prior record was the
opening Saturday of last year when we had 1911, 1912, something like that. Uh that is a significant jump. And once again, kudos to uh the former traffic committee, uh to our social media, uh to the vendors,
and to the support from the town's committee, administration. Um it's remarkable um what that's become. And I want to give a special thank you um
to the volunteers who are out there uh directing traffic, um assisting in parking, assisting uh the vendors, assisting the uh attendees as they go through um in the heats, in the dust, in the rain,
in the thunder, in the lightning. Uh they're out there. Um and so far, no one got hit by lightning, and no one's gotten hit by a car, so we'll take that as success. Uh once again, those numbers are incredible. Um just tremendous. Um land
use board, there's been no meetings. There's no applications for the first week in August. There is an application for the second meeting in August. Um and I expect that there'll be a much more active um
September and October for the land use board as additional applications are coming through. Uh please uh committee woman, committee woman Fernandez and I uh had a preliminary uh meeting on uh the commencement of uh PBA negotiations.
>> Gina, your best efforts of avoiding that uh that liaison position um have failed. And uh thank you for joining me as we proceed with uh PBA contract negotiations. Um I've had some
uh this is not necessarily on sub committee, but uh had some meetings with some potential um interest in businesses looking to locate at the former AT&T campus. Uh those are preliminary.
Um had discussions both with uh county um and uh the folks from JLL representing MetLife on that. Um and as I was driving here to the meeting, I was on the phone with Colleen Marr from uh Somerset County, the executive
director, uh talking about uh how we can work together to uh facilitate some development over uh over at that property. So uh stay tuned and we'll see if uh any of these opportunities have legs. Ms. Ray,
may we please have the administrator's report? >> Uh yes, Mayor. So, first and foremost, the July 25th cannon dedication at the Jacobus Vanderveer House was a terrific success. Um we had a really nice turnout there. Uh Committee Man Hickey um presided over
the group along with um Paul Fraher, our engineer, who donated the cannon uh to the township. And uh Pat got a great firing of the cannon on film, so that was pretty cool. Uh it was a great event overall, and I think everyone was >> Don't blush, Pat. Don't blush. Don't put
your head down. That was you. How did you get the timing on that? Come on. >> It's smart luck. It was >> [laughter] >> You got the cannon blast. Yeah. Excellent. What A little surprise? You get nominated
right there. But I try I try that I get my photography? >> Well done. >> There you go. Oh, sorry. Sorry, Robin. >> Okay, so we had hoped to tie this all in with the dedication of our new uh Crossroads Park down Pluckemin, but timing just didn't work out as we had planned.
Um but look forward to that coming in in the near future for opening of Crossroads Park. It is 99.9% done. We have a bronze plaque to install and a temporary sign will be going up until the more permanent sign is complete. >> So, when do Robin and Jason, when do you
expect to to finish that 0.01% so we can open up Crossroads Park? >> You know, that's >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It looks like >> [laughter] >> It looks fantastic. Whenever you're ready. >> Yeah, it looks great. It It looks great. Uh I know we've got some some
discussions in exec. Um but uh grounds Kudos to contractor and a special once again, thank you to Paul Ferraro. Um So, not only on the donation of the the cannon but also on the design of Crossroads Park.
Um So, I just wanted to thank Paul for all the work he did on that. It looks great. I've been dropping by every single day checking it out, seeing the progress. And it looks really good. So, thanks so much, Paul. >> Landscape things we still need to finish
up over there and once we get that all set, then we'll do the opening. >> So, are we still waiting on delivery of plants or what's the landscaping schedule? >> We need to work out with the adjacent property owners just some clean up that we'd like to take care of just to spruce it up.
>> Okay, great. >> Um and the other thing is I participated in PBA negotiations. That's coming fast and furious. >> Fun, fun. >> And uh I'll leave it at that. >> Okay. And on the subject of policing, uh Chief
Bernardo, any update on community policing efforts? >> Uh yeah, good evening, Mayor. Um A few weeks ago, our officers attended Camp Bedminster and we uh hung out with the kids and made them snow cones. Um in July, we just wrapped up our
Christmas in July fundraiser. I I just wanted to thank everybody who provided donations that support our local veterans. And [clears throat] coming up in a few weeks, the police department is hosting a family fun day event, which is August 27th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the River Road Park. Um it's in conjunction
with uh the rec department, uh first aid squad, and the fire departments. And there's going to be free food and inflatables and a dunk tank. Uh and it should be a good time. I hope people uh are available to come and spend some time with us. And that's all I have, Mayor. >> Hopefully better weather than last year.
>> Yes. Yes. >> Don't please don't put that out into the universe. Please. >> [laughter] >> Sorry. >> Jinx. Yeah, that was a jinx. So do we have a press release whether it's coming from um the police
department or from rec on the family fun night? >> Well, they've already been posting on social media for quite some time. >> I know it's on social media. Um do we just make sure that >> Sure.
>> First of all, news gets out or tap. Okay. All right. Thanks. >> Can I also got to mention I worked on the tax insert, so that should taxes envelopes should be stuffed as we speak. So. >> And I think what we talked about before, this was the uh the comment from Mr.
Rusabi uh um regarding the new regulations for uh the farmland assessment program. So uh you did get that language from Ed Kerwin. And there will be a note that everyone you know, filling out their taxes take note of the
new regulations and new thresholds for the farmland assessment program. Thank you, Robin. Thank you, Chief Bernardo. Introduction of ordinances, we have none. Public hearing of ordinances, we have
none. Consent agenda, we have 1 2 3 4 5 6 items on the consent agenda. These are items of a routine nature. Any member of the Township Committee Rich, any member of the Township Committee may pull one,
some, or all of them off for individual consideration. Seeing none, I'll take a motion to approve the items on the consent agenda. >> So moved. >> Second. >> I second. >> Well done.
>> Roll call vote, please. Committeeman Hickey. >> Aye. >> Committeewoman Fernandez. >> Aye. >> Committeeman Rosen. >> Aye. >> Committeeman Costa. >> Aye. >> And Mayor Jacobs. >> Aye. >> Thank you. >> We have one resolution for individual consideration. That's resolution 2026-134.
This resolution authorizes the extension of the statutory grace period for the 2026 third-quarter property tax installment. Ms. Ray. >> So, we have we were waiting for the tax bill and the rate to be certified. So, um we've actually received that
information from the county, so it's go, go, go. Print those bills and get them out. In the meantime, we are offering residents um an extension to pay their taxes by August 31st >> Okay. >> this year. >> So, there was a delay from the county, so until the county information could be
provided, um you know, it's unfair to put that on the residents um and that gets worked out with the county and the schools. >> knows that their uh their money is going to be slightly delayed. >> Despite us being one of the first townships to submit our taxes to the
county. >> Thank you. >> like everyone else. >> Thank you, Ms. >> Travers. >> Yes. >> So. Um >> Any questions or comments regarding resolution 2026-134? Seeing none, take motion to approve.
>> I approve. >> I second. >> Make the motion. >> I make the motion to approve. >> Thank you. >> Second. >> I second. >> Okay, roll call vote again, please. Committeeman Heffey. >> Aye. >> Committeewoman Fernandez. >> Aye. >> Committeeman Rosen. >> Aye. >> Committeeman Costa. >> Aye.
>> And Mayor Jacobs. >> Aye. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> I'll take a motion to approve the bills pending review of individual invoices and purchase orders. >> So moved. >> Second. >> You guys are flying. Roll call again, please. Committeeman Heffey. >> Aye. >> Committeewoman Fernandez.
>> Aye. >> Committeeman Rosen. >> Aye. >> Committeeman Costa. >> Aye. >> And Mayor Jacobs. >> Aye. >> Thank you. >> Any member of the Township Committee have anything they'd like to put on for discussion under new business? And moving right along, old business.
We'll start with Committeeman Heffey and utilities. >> Thank you, Mayor. Quick update on JCP&L. We did have an outage last Tuesday night, lasted about 2 hours. It was confined mostly to Lamington Road and the Bedminster Village area. As you know, there are bad storms in the area, which it seems like every night we
have some bad storms. This had a lot of lightning, which I suspect may have impacted the greater Cross Road substation. On the flip side, while power may have fluctuated for a moment or two in the hills, they did not experience a prolonged outage. So, I suspect the new system of switches and reclosers is
working as planned. So, that's some good news. I do not have any other updates. Jason, I don't know if you have anything. >> Do you want to talk about the garden? This year >> Sure. >> Okay. So, every- everybody up there has a 2-month bill for our community garden.
The wanted to let everybody know that the plots are fluctuating with it right now. Um June-July was uh $392. And May and June was $342.
Looks like we're running about 3.3 gallons per plot per day. >> That's a lot. >> It's a lot. >> per plot per day. >> That's a lot. >> Is that what we What were we expecting out of the >> Nobody really even knows. Nobody really knows. >> That's [clears throat] a lot. That's
that's excessive considering that some of the plots are still, you know, uh >> Well, that's figuring 180 plots, yeah. >> And it seems like that would be overwatering the plants and also it has rained a lot. >> Yeah, it rained a lot. >> So, um I've asked Jason to provide that
information to Neil and to Bill and to have that as a discussion point for the uh community garden committee. Um I know that they'll be meeting shortly and that'll be a subject of discussion. Once it, you know, one of the things it
is it's on the participants to turn the water off when it's not being used. >> So, so this is basically down from people not turning off hoses. >> We don't really know. >> We don't know. >> Oh, okay. So, it could be >> Yeah. >> It could be leaks. It could be overwatering. It could be let letting
the hose run while they're doing something else. >> But >> One thing to consider, too, the watering buckets are two-gallon buckets and I know just from my tomato garden alone, I water three times a week. And it takes two buckets to water my garden each
time, just my one garden three times a week. >> So, Rich Rich has a garden. His plot, I believe, is >> You mean number one? >> Number one. >> [clears throat] >> I don't know if he got that spot. >> But that's um That is garden looks great. Your tomatoes look great.
>> The gallonage is one thing. It's We're also getting a $181 service fee every month. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, so >> So, when New Jer- So, when New Jersey American Water offers to bring the water line for free, there's a >> catch.
>> There's a catch there. >> Are you using a reasonable place? >> Yes. So, um once again, bring it to the um uh the garden committee and um if Laura gets her uh let Laura sink her teeth into that and I
believe there'll be some um prompt enforcement. Yeah, garden and effective enforcement. Uh >> It's the first pickup that we've encountered. Yeah, I'm sure there's many to follow, you know.
>> Agreed. On the issue uh we also have repair project in Bedminster. Rodney? Some updates on our sewer project? >> Uh no major updates currently uh although we have had some progress. Uh
it's as the project has been, slow. Uh I think the last thing that was probably reported to you was we've installed two of the four air releases. Uh currently waiting for the contractor to get contractor to get re-mobilized to finish up the uh remaining two. The
remaining two required a hop a highway occupancy permit for them to do the work which is a uh 2-mi uh of signage that they have to put out along with a lane closure detour or well not a detour but a lane closure on Route 206 on a state highway. So, it's
attenuator trucks. It's it's quite a big deal to do the uh to do the two remaining air releases. I do think we'll find any issues. Uh we should get those done in a day when they finally do mobilize. Um I've requested a date from
them as to when they're going to get together and do the finish up at least that part of the project. I have not got an answer back from them yet. I do speak to them probably two to three times a week. Um our actual structure for the wet well
is complete. It has been fabricated. It's made. It's sitting at the manufacturer. Uh we'll be be getting invoiced for that shortly. Um they don't want to mobilize and bring that to the site until they're actually here and ready to dig the hole for it because it involves a pretty large crane
to bring that in and set that. I forget exactly what the weight is on it, but it is uh quite heavy and does involve a pretty good-sized crane to do that. So, they will bring that in and set that when the hole is dug. Um they have done some work on the tank
in preparation to uh to uh wet blast that and paint it and do the coating on it. Uh I think some of the hesitation there is they also have to do the inside of that tank. Um which is going to be used up until the
new system is in place and switched on. So, I think they're kind of dragging their feet on that because they don't want to get their It's a subcontractor that comes in to do that work for them. They don't want to bring that subcontractor in until they're ready to do the entire job. Um they've had their
electrician on site uh to decommission what equipment they can in the building. Uh there's there's some stuff there that's already hasn't been in use. That's part of the contract to remove, so they have decommissioned that. Uh roofing materials on site, again, that's
a subcontractor they're waiting on to get here to do that work to replace the roof. Um all the lightings been decommissioned, it's ready to be removed. And as you would see, the facade's been removed. Uh
what else have we got? Still waiting for them, and I've just recently requested this again, uh some cost estimate to redo some of the office space that was part of the contract. Uh they have to put They were concerned with the amount of cabinet contract, so
I asked them to provide us a amount for what they thought it would be so we could then take something out or find a different funding source to do some of that work. >> That's office space in the DPW building. >> but in the sewer utility building, yes. >> But providing for
uh space for the sewer facility. >> Correct, yes. That uh out of everything in that building and considering when it was built everything the only thing that came up with any lead paint or asbestos was the actual countertops of the desk I use and the
sink. That the countertop for the sink. >> that is that on a separate schedule or >> That's >> If that's already part of the contract >> separate item with an amount. >> But the entire the entire project's been
approved and funded. >> Correct. >> So, why does there need to be any further delay in getting that portion of the project completed? >> There there shouldn't be. That's
>> And here we are we're in third quarter 2026. We're anticipating in the ground work third quarter or fourth quarter of 2026. >> Again, if I could get a straight answer out of them I would hope it's third
quarter. It it needs to be third quarter. Um and that's what we have consistently has been our message to them. Uh that this project needs to move. We need to get it done and they really have been they're coming they're coming and
doing a little bit here and a little bit there and I think it's just to show them social active social so show us some activity but nothing haven't got any major uh part of job done yet. Uh also our the
generator has been delivered so that's sitting here on site. Uh it's a big large generator, 300 kW generator. Uh, the concrete pad and the, uh, plumbing for that, for the electrical. That has been completed. Again, that's
something they're going to set when they bring the crane for the wet well. So, they've hesitated. They I actually did push them. They didn't even want to bring the generator here yet. It's they had to go above to rent the machine to unload the generator here. But, I said it needs to happen to
get here. It's complete. The generator was built complete, sitting at Onan in Wisconsin and or Cummins. And, I said it needs to get here. We need We need to have it on site. We need invoices for it. So, that's here on site. Um, the gas company, the coordination with
gas company is complete. They've been out. So, the gas company has reached out to the contractor as to when they can come in and put their gas main in. And, that's for the generator. Uh, nothing in the building has gas. It's just the just the generator itself. Um,
and we've also met with contractor JCP&L, uh, about what the how the electric will be configured for the building. So, we've got that worked out. It's just a matter of >> So,
it sounds like all the material has been purchased. >> Uh, most everything, yes. >> And, practically all the material is on site, just waiting installation. >> For something like that.
>> if we assume a third quarter start, what's what's completion date? >> Well, completion date, they still have what is in their contract for completion date. And, I I really don't want to even speak to completion date at at this point, other than obviously, we have to confine them to
what's in the contract and they need to have it done by then, but I'm not getting a >> The first date is September 31st, 2026. The given some of the setbacks the engineer gave until on June of 2027.
>> Rodney, when we had the staff meeting you provided us the timeline of the contract. >> Yes. >> Um are we delayed past that point now? To the initial dates that things There's not an date we
>> No, no, no. I'm just saying the different steps and it had different >> steps, yes, they've been delayed. >> Okay, now the Gantt chart's off now. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, can we ask the contractor for a new updated timeline? >> Yes. >> Did Yeah, do we have that new Is there
an updated Gantt chart? >> No, not yet. >> Not not a updated updated one. We have one updated. >> updated updated one. >> Yes. >> Talk to Talk to Gina. >> Yeah. >> And um Rich, if uh do you hear anything in this
conversation that we can blame Mayor Parker over? >> [laughter] >> No. >> Sort of Sort of like >> Thank you, Rodney. >> Tough crowd. >> Uh You know, you give an opening. Um we do have an executive session tonight.
Um it should be quick and we will not be taking any formal action after the executive session. So, what we'll do is we will run through township committee comments. Um we will excuse the audience. You're certainly welcome to come back after we uh go through
executive session. It should be quick. Uh but once again, we will not be taking formal action when we return to adjourn for the evening. Um so with that, let's go through township committee comments and we will start with Committeeman
Costa. >> Uh no comments other than uh, it's an honor to to to be up here with uh, such a great team. >> Thank you, Rich. Honor to have you. Please get out of here. >> Thank you. >> Committeewoman Fernandez. >> Thank you, Mayor. I would like to
congratulate Committeeman Rich Costa on your appointment to um, Township Committee. And we're happy to have you. I know you're going to do great things. We'll just you know, >> Thank you. >> get your toes wet right now. >> [laughter]
>> Um, and uh, I would like to thank Carson for coming out and Carson Brienza for coming out and you know, stepping up and and being such an invested member of our community over all these years. I'd like to thank the fire department for all they do and for the present. And uh, yeah.
>> Wait, I was going to do that. >> [laughter] >> The shirts that we got and some other things that >> [laughter] >> And um, that's all. >> Thank you. >> And welcome back, Bill. >> And welcome back, Bill. And speaking of Bill, Committeeman Rosen.
>> Uh, thank you, Mayor. Uh, first of all, it's nice to be out and about uh, staring at the four walls in my family room. And welcome aboard, Rich. Like I said, we've worked together for a long time. It's nice to see you up here. I think you
bring a lot. And good luck. And also kudos to uh, Carson for his efforts. And I think he has a bright future uh, also. So anyway, welcome aboard and good luck. >> Thank you. >> Committeeman Hickey. >> Thank you, Mayor. So first off, your
wife is coming back tonight, right? >> know. >> All right, I'm a little worried. I'll give you a ride home tonight. Oh, okay. Thank you. >> Those those chairs have wheels. >> We can hook it to the back of the car. >> Here we go. All right. Now, I just want to say first off, congratulations, Rich. Uh, you're a great addition to the team. Thank you
for volunteering your service and your time, and I think that was evident Mayor Parker mentioned as well. Both of you have given so much to the community in terms of investment of time and commitment because you love Bedminster. And Mr. Briant isn't here right now because he probably ran back to the
firehouse and is working there right now, I'm sure. So, thank you both for all you've done for Bedminster and what you will continue to do for Bedminster. And congratulations again. >> Thank you. So, um we often talk about how local government is, um,
you know, your your your senator, your governor, your your congressman, they are distant. And it's Township Committee, it's really where we have direct, uh, contact with our residents, um,
but there's a layer of government that is even closer to the residents, and that form of government is the HOA. And you talk about, you know, quite often, um, that the contact with your residents
and managing, um, the expectations of all your residents. And and we certainly, um, have had many discussions, um, on condominium-related, um, concerns. Um, often times, uh, folks will come to
us thinking that there's a condominium issue that the Township Committee can, uh, insert ourselves into, and and that's not the case. And we'd say, "You got to talk to your HOA. We don't know." >> Our HOA, they're not They're not responsive. Here's someone who has been completely
responsive and proactive uh, into his HOA, and it was evident in, um, you know, I I mentioned this before, uh, when you had some of the power issues in, um, in the pond, and it was your proactive
responses, uh, making sure that your residents were uh, and that they were minimally impacted by power outages and your doggedness in pursuing JCP&L and and certainly lodging
with Committee Man Hickey in getting GC JCP&L to reevaluate its position and you were successful. So, kudos to you on that. That is not something um not easy to get a utility to change its mind and um
you were successful and you got reimbursed and you made sure that not only were your residents got their power restored and with the generator, um but you got reimbursed for it as well. So, tremendous success on that and hopefully bring that same
doggedness and determination to the Township Committee and I'm sure you will. Um Thank you. You're welcome. And to Chief Granazza, um currently Deputy Chief at Fair Hills Bedminster Fire
Department. Once again, I said it before, um you know, thank you for putting yourself out there. Um I I know when Mayor Parker had specials with both of you, he told it's oh yeah, it's only a couple hours a a month, um >> [clears throat]
>> two meetings. That's it, right? So, um she continues that lie um did as he did with me. And um but but Carson, you know, I think I think as Committee Man Hickey mentioned, he's probably off and at the fire
department, which I know he is. And um you know, >> [gasps] >> if you need something done, you ask a busy person to do it and we've got a busy person here and Carson Granazza, you've got a terrific future and I think
Bedminster Um, great expectations for you in the future. Um, with that, I'll take a motion to adjourn to executive session. Once again, we will not be taking any formal action when we return to the public session.
Um, so with that, take a motion to adjourn. >> Should I make the motion? >> Yes. >> Yeah, I'd like to make a motion to adjourn to the executive. >> Second. >> All in favor. >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Okay, thank you. Once again, we will be
going to executive and when we return for public session >> Genie Dixon. >> So, it is 8:43. The Township Committee has returned to public session. As we indicated earlier, we are not taking any formal action following our executive
session. And Committee member Costa at 8:43, I'll take a motion to adjourn for the evening. >> So moved. >> Second. All in favor. >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Good job. >> Thank you. Welcome, Rich.
>> Welcome back, Bill. >> Thank you. >> And goodnight. >> Goodnight. >> Um, what do we need to do now? >> go over and shake his hand? >> Yeah, we're going to go over and shake his hand. >> I'm going to see if we can